Artificial tears eye solution soothes discomfort and irritation caused by dry eyes. Dry eyes occur when you don’t have enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Follow the instructions on the label to apply this solution safely in your eye.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
ARTIFICIAL TEARS (ahr tuh FISH uhl teerz) treats discomfort caused by dry eyes. It works by moisturizing and protecting the outer surface of your eyes.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advanced Eye Relief, Akwa Tears, Akwa Tears Renewed, Alcon Tears, Artificial Tears, Bion Tears, Blink Gel Tears, Blink Tears, Clear eyes, Clear eyes Outdoor Dry Eye Protection, FreshKote, GenTeal Mild, GenTeal Moderate, GenTeal PF, GenTeal Tears, Gonak, Goniosoft, Hypo Tears, ImproVue, Isopto Tears, LiquiTears, Lubricating Plus, Moisture Eyes, Moisture Eyes Preservative Free, Murine, Natural Balance Tears, Nature's Tears, Ocucoat Viscoadherent, Opti-Free, Puralube Tears, Refresh, Refresh Celluvisc, Refresh Contacts Comfort, Refresh Endura, Refresh Liquigel, Refresh Optive, Refresh Optive Sensitive, Refresh Plus, Refresh RELIEVA, Refresh RELIEVA PF, Refresh Tears, Refresh TEARS PF, Reliable-1 Luibricating Tears, Retaine CMC, Soothe Lubricant Dry Eye Therapy, Stye, Systane Balance, Systane Complete, Teargen, Tears Naturale Forte, Tears Naturale II, Tears Renewed, TheraTears, Ventiva, Visine Advanced, Visine Dry Eye Relief, Visine Pure Tears, Visine Tears, Visine Tired Eye Relief, Vista Gonio, Vista Meibo, Viva
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Advertisement
This medication is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops (usually one or two drops) into the pouch. Close the eye gently for a few moments to allow the drops to be in contact with the eye. Use your medication at regular intervals. Do not use your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be used in children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without talking to your care team.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if your eye condition gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult your care team.
To avoid contamination of this product, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface. Do not share this medication with others. If the product changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.
If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before putting the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes before putting your contact lenses back in.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Advertisement
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Advertisement
Copyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.